Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Denver?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Denver or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Denver or Kailua-Kona, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Denver or Kailua-Kona?
Denver
The capital of Colorado, Denver is commonly referred to as "The Mile-High City" because it is at an elevation of 5,280 feet (1,600 meters) above sea level. It also sits where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, giving a beautiful backdrop for this metropolitan city. The city is the largest in the Rocky Mountains with a population of more than 600,000 and nearly 3 million in the metropolitan area. Denver is a cosmopolitan city with cowboy roots. It's cultural scene is thriving, and the outdoor recreation in the area is superb. Denver is a rapidly growing city but with change comes challenges. Urban sprawl is a problem and the city's infrastructure has reached its limits. Still, efforts are in place to maintain the character and personality that Denver is known for.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona, often simply called Kona, is a vibrant seaside town located on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Kona offers travelers an appealing mix of natural beauty and Hawaiian culture. The town is famous for its historic waterfront, local coffee farms, and as the gateway to many of the island’s unique adventures. Despite its popularity, Kailua-Kona remains more relaxed and less crowded than some of Hawaii’s other tourist hubs. Beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies will all find plenty to enjoy here. With a mix of affordable accommodations, local eateries, and free or inexpensive attractions, it’s a great destination for budget travelers. The nearby volcanic landscapes, snorkeling spots, and lively marketplaces make it an excellent base for exploring the west side of the Big Island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.
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Denver Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayDenver $248Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Denver is $248, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $274. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Denver and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDenver $87Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDenver $174Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Denver and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Denver or Kailua-Kona? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Denver Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Denver $101Kailua-Kona $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Denver
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:
- Private Transfer Denver Airport DEN to Hot Ski Resorts: $65
- Departure Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN by Business Car: $113
- Arrival Private Transfer: Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Business Car: $119
- Private Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Business Car: $119
- Denver hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $122
- Denver International Airport Private Transfer Pick up: $130
- Private City Tour in Denver with Transfer: $140
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Keystone resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $144
- Keystone resort to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $144
- Denver Airport (DEN) to Avon/Vail Valley - Arrival Private Transfer : $144
- Departure Private Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury Van: $149
- Private Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury Van: $149
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Denver or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Denver change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayDenver $73Kailua-Kona $100
Typical Food Prices in Denver
Some typical examples of dining costs in Denver are as follows:
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Sushi Dinner (for 2)$61
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Denver.
- Epic Pad Thai Cooking Class in Denver: $55
- 16th Street Mall Food Tour with Local Guide: $62
- Arts District Walking Food Tour: $79
- Denver RiNo Arts District Food Tour: $85
- Downtown Denver Food Tour: $85
- Denver Food Tour: 6+ Tastings in Historic Downtown: $99
- RiNo Evening Food Tour with a Local Guide: $99
- Denver Food Tour: Wild West Flavors & Downtown Classics: $111
- Taste of the City Food Tour by Bike or E-Bike: $125
Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Denver $52Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Denver
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Denver are as follows:
- $5 Capitol Hill History & Ghost Walking Tour: $5.00
- Denver Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $7.19
- Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.73
- Denver's Heart A Self Guided Tour of the State Capitol and Beyond: $8.99
- Denver’s Wild Side: Self-Guided Audio Tour of its Notorious Past: $9.99
- Winding Pathways of Denver's City Park A Self-Guided Tour : $9.99
- Fun Royal Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Arvada, CO: $10
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Denver by Operation City Quest: $10
- Self Guided Denver Ghost Hunt: Mile High Ghost Tour: $12
- Denver Audio Tour Adventure: $15
- Molly Brown House Museum Self-Guided Tour & Entry: $15
- General Admission to Denver Botanic Gardens Ticket: $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
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Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
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1 Day Kayak Rental$47
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2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive$115
Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:
- From Kona: Volcano & Waterfall Tour, Small Group: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayDenver $5.31Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Denver
Also in Denver, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Private Vintner's Wine Tasting Experience in Colorado: $40
- Downtown Denver Pub Crawl - Food & Drinks Included!: $50
- Neighborhood Bar Crawl in RiNo Arts District (Denver): $50
- Vintner's Personalized Wine Tasting Experience: $60
- Wild West Pub Crawl: $61
- Buds & Brews Cannabis Grow Tour and Brewery Visit: $67
- E-Bike & Brews: Denver's Platte River & Brewery E-Bike Tour: $125
- Denver Pedicab Brewery Tour: $130
When comparing the travel costs between Denver and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Denver Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Denver or Kailua-Kona?
Denver has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Denver and Kailua-Kona, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.